On September 15, 2013, The Salvation Army in Rome, GA celebrated 126 years of service in that city. It was a day full of worship, music, laughter, stories, and shared memories. The special guests for the Sunday were Majors Jim and Becky Smith (R). Majors Smith were officers in Rome, GA over 35 years ago. It was indeed an exciting day because some of their family who lived in the area were able to come and worship with them. Major Becky shared some of her memories of the work in Rome and also shared with us the Word of God. Major Jim preached a sermon from 2 Timothy 3. He challenged the audience to “Keep On, Keeping On!”

126 years of service has seen many changes to the look of the town of Rome, GA, but the need for the Army is still ever-present. Major Smith encouraged to keep going for another 126 years!

An added bonus to the day was the visit of our new divisional youth leaders, Captains Matt and Jamie Satterlee, with their girls. The Satterlees led the Sunday School preliminaries and taught a combined Children’s Sunday School class. Using the classic Mr. Potato Head, the Satterlees showed the children in Rome how we are all part of one body, but we are many parts. “Each part is important and necessary,” said Captain Jamie Satterlee. The Satterlees reminded the kids that they were going to be part of what The Salvation Army will be doing in the future!

Following the great morning of meetings, we all went to the Fellowship Hall and enjoyed a great covered dish lunch. The building was packed to capacity and had well over 70 people in attendance. Some people were even sitting in the same chair to make sure there was enough room in the sanctuary.

Captain Douglas McClure (corps officer) had this to say about the weekend: “Storm and I have been very honored to serve with the corps family in Rome, GA for the past year. Even though this corps is celebrating 126 years of service, they have not retired. We are still doing monthly open airs, children’s evangelism meetings, family outreach programs, and sharing the Word of God with everyone we come in contact with! We are Doing the Most Good!”There were two very special highlights from the meeting. First, Captains Douglas and Storm McClure were able to recognize Irene Roberson for her many faithful years of service to The Salvation Army in Rome. Ms. Roberson recently retired as the corps sergeant major of the Rome corps after many, many years in serving the people and families of the corps. Ms. Roberson still teaches the Adult Sunday School class and helps with the morning Home League. She is a wonderful treasure and a valued asset to our corps.

Second, the meeting also included a performance of the Rome Singing Company under the leadership of Paula Blevins. They sang the “Follow Medley” from the children’s musical, “Fish Tales.” The singing company has doubled in size over the last program year. This group recently performed at the divisional music and arts festival in May.